Please Help, New Here, Inherited Collection

Hi everyone. My dad passed away a couple years ago and I have finally gotten around to going through the stamps. My big idea is that I would catalog them since he hadn't. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. :)

Anyway, I have come across something a bit confusing. Almost all of it says 554, except it is 10 perf all the way around. BUT is has ink on the back (flat plate), and the measurements match. I need some more experienced guidance here, please.

Much thanks.

Used single stamp from 583a booklet pane version of 583.

If libraries are open in your area get a Scott US Specialized Catalog (year really doesn't matter) and look at the section which helps identify stamps. It takes the design and tells you the ways it was issued, watermark, perforation, coils and booklet panes. Or you can buy one. New is pricey, used less so but they still hold value for all the information they contain. The less new one just lack the stamps issued after the publication date. I suggest strongly to look and study one first before buying. Also, it matters how much you can use it. Do you have a big collection of USA and related or just a couple of hundred stamps.

If you have foreign stamps, check the library as well. The world is broken down in to many volumes by Scott. Or if mostly 1940ish and before, the Scott Classic lists the world up to 1940 or so.

I thought the 583 was 19x22.5? I had done a lot of reading/lurking before I posted. Also, are there instances where there can be ink on the back with rotary press stamps? I'm definitely going to visit my local library but am also looking for all the advice I can get here as well.

Thanks.

The collection is probably close to the thousand range, with the bulk being US stamps. Oldest I have found being the 1870's going to the 1980's.

583/583a is perf 10 all around, well except for the natural straight edges.

See here: https://goscf.com/t/61547 and especially the link in the first post of the thread. That second link discusses rotary press print and backside ink transfer as well as ways to tell flat and rotary apart.

Yes the library is a good start. Be aware, some libraries keep the more up to date catalogs as non-circulating reference for in library use only. If they have the older ones those they usually allow to be checked out. Now library do sell older catalogs and if you can be the person they sell them to you can get a bargain. I just missed my library selling a complete world wide set of Scott's for the standard price of 50 cents for each paper back volume. I just know that was resold on ebay, I can feel it.

Thanks. I was actually just reading that just before I saw your reply. I will catalog this one as a 583a. :) Onto the next stamp!

Invaluable resource at your fingertips:

https://stampsmarter.org/

My opinion: I would replace that perforation gauge. This is perf 11 all around.